It’s 2024, and England’s rivers have been flowing with the same vigour that we applied to our New Year’s resolutions on that bright and beautiful January 1st. However, like this author’s promise to himself to cook more and lay off the take-out orders, the rivers are subsiding, and should the dry forecast for the week hold firm, the starting flag will drop at Quinten Head this weekend, and the 2024 racing season will get going. After a series of cancellations in autumn, it’s been a long wait for action on the Tideway, but for those in the Championship Eights braving the January temperatures, the chance for an early season crack at their biggest rivals means that they will wait no longer.
Thames Rowing Club
Thames had a brilliant 2023 all round, racking up wins in everything from the Club Pennant at Eight’s Head, to the Thames Challenge Cup at Henley, and even Pairs Head in early October. They’ll be sure to try and cement themselves as the ones to beat early in 2024, and have fielded three eights on Saturday. It’d be difficult to bet against Thames A. They lead the pack off at bow one, and if I was a betting man, I’d be inclined to say they retain that position at every timing marker down the course, including and especially, the finish line. Look for Thames B to be in the mix for a podium.
St Paul’s School
Bobby Thatcher is well on his way to gaining the kind of legendary coaching status that belongs only to the very best in the game, if he hasn’t already achieved it. He’s entered his first eight in the Championship category, dulled by the challenge that the other extremely talented, well-funded, and brilliantly-coached schoolboy crews have to offer. It is moves like this that may help elevate St Paul’s above those other institutions come regattas like Henley, where Paul’s have an inarguable reputation of delivering results, sometimes performing to levels beyond the talents of the individuals who sit in the seats. Years like this one though, with previous, and undoubtedly future GB representation on board, Paul’s are truly dangerous. Taking the win would be a big ask for these young lads, but look for them to be in the mix for the podium, and fighting with London and Marlow.
Leander Club
Leander’s entry will be comprised of their club athletes vying for seats in the eventual Thames Cup project, so will feature some young, up-and-coming lads looking to make an impression both on the scene, but on their coaches too. There’s confidence in this group brewing in that boathouse. After back-to-back years with semi-final exits at Henley, is this the year that they can finally take home the trophy? There’s still a long way to go before that question is answered, but we might get our first hint this weekend. To see them challenge a more established Thames group for the win would be fantastic, and I would expect at least a second place finish out of this group.
London Rowing Club
London has entered two eights, and will be looking to challenge what will be their eventual Thames Cup rivals, Thames and Leander, for spots on the podium. Their home course advantage is undeniable, but shared with Thames. A place over Leander then, will be their best bet to gain some footing at this early stage in the season, and coming off the back on a win in the Remenham Challenge, they may well be capable.
Marlow Rowing Club
Led by the esteemed James Doleman, Marlow will be looking to force their name into the mix of top British club contenders. Having faced difficult flood conditions on their home water recently, these men will have to rely on the fitness cultivated in the autumn and over the Christmas break to carry them down the course. I expect them to be battling particularly with London.
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